5G TERMS AND ACRONYMS

RACH – Random access channel

What is RACH? RACH (Random Access Channel) is a shared uplink channel used by UEs to initiate communication with the base station. It is the

Radio Interface

The radio interface is the wireless connection between two points, encompassing all necessary functionality to maintain this connection. In cellular systems, the interface between the

Radio Network Controller

The Radio Network Controller (RNC) is a key component of the UMTS Radio Network System (RNS) that manages multiple Node Bs. Its responsibilities encompass radio

RAN – Radio access network

The part of the telecommunications network that connects user equipment to other parts of a mobile network via a radio connection. Connects user equipment to

RAN (Radio Access Network)

What is RAN? The Radio Access Network (RAN) is the component of a mobile network that connects User Equipment (UE) to the Core Network via

RAT – Radio access technology

What is RAT? RAT (Radio Access Technology) refers to the underlying physical connection method used by a radio-based communication network. Each generation of mobile technology

REC (Radio Equipment Controller)

What is REC? REC (Radio Equipment Controller) is the virtual or physical component of a base station that performs digital baseband control of the radio

Received Signal Level

The signal strength at a receiver’s input is typically measured in decibels (dB) relative to 1 milliwatt (mW), denoted as 0 dBm.

RRH – Remote radio head

The component of a base station responsible for converting the digital signal into an analog signal for transmission. The remote radio head is usually located

RRH (Remote Radio Head)

What is RRH? An RRH (Remote Radio Head) is a radio transceiver unit located at or near the antenna (typically on the tower top or

RRM – Radio resource management

What is RRM? RRM (Radio Resource Management) encompasses the algorithms and procedures used to manage radio resources in a mobile network — including transmit power

RU (Radio Unit)

What is RU? The RU (Radio Unit) is the component of a disaggregated 5G base station that handles the lower physical layer processing and RF

Rx – Receive

What is Rx? Rx (Receive) in wireless communications refers to the process of capturing incoming radio frequency signals and converting them into usable data. The